Kikuyu Member of Parliament (MP) Kimani Ichung’wah has strongly condemned the ongoing trends of hooliganism in churches, highlighting the incident in Nairobi where a church service was interrupted for political reasons.
Speaking after the induction service for Presbyterian Minister Reverend Moses Mwaura Ndegwa at Ernest Gichini Memorial Church on Sunday, April 6, 2025, Ichung’wah expressed deep concern over the increasing politicisation of sacred spaces, particularly churches, which should remain free from political conflict.
His remarks come after chaos erupted during a church service at PCEA Mwiki, Kasarani East Parish, where former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua and his allies were present.
“We cannot allow our churches to be dragged into the kind of trials I’ve witnessed in Nairobi today,” Ichungwah said, referring to the disruption during a church service attended by Gachagua.
“That people would go and disrupt a church service is deeply saddening, just because of politics. We must never let politics divide us or destroy the sanctity of the church.”
Ichungwah emphasised the importance of maintaining peace and respect in places of worship, especially during solemn occasions.
He supported the remarks made by Samith, stressing that when people come to church, the focus should be on reflection and prayer, not on political rivalry.
“That is why I supported what Samith said: when we come to church, let someone read the Word and then quietly go home. And as our reverend, Reverend Wanderi, rightly said, when we speak within the sanctuary, we should do so with deep reflection. This is a very solemn occasion for Reverend Ndegwa,” he added.
Ichung’wah on heckling
Ichung’wah’s condemnation also extends to political violence and heckling, particularly during public events.
He referenced a recent incident in Githunguri on Saturday, April 6, 2025, when Kiambu Women Representative Ann Wanjiku Muratha was heckled by a large crowd during President William Ruto’s visit.
Ichungwah warned that such behaviour could be repeated at church events, undermining the purpose of honouring individuals and religious figures.
“Now, if we start to see the same kind of behaviour we saw in Githunguri—where a leader like Muratha, or even someone like me, Ichung’wah, is heckled during such an event—we will only end up ruining a day that is meant to honour our reverend. It is very sad,” he condemned.
Leaders who accompanied Ichung’awah at the ceremony included Roads Principal Secretary Joseph Mbugua, Kabete MP Githua Wamacukuru, Kabete Thika Town MP Alice Ng’ang’a, and Kiambaa MP Kawanjiku.
Others include Limuru MP John Kiragu, Kiambu Woman Representative Wamuratha, Embakasi West MP Mark Mwenje, Laikipia Woman Representative Jane Kagiri, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura and Muguga MCA Kamau Thumbi.